What would be the easiest/quickest way of slitting aluminium tube? I've got a couple of ideas but maybe someone has better ones.

Ok, in case you are wondering, got some 6 mm dia alumiunium tube that I want slit along one side then press on to suspenstion plates to cover sharp edges (SVA fail) type thing).

I tried something similar with copper 8mm tube to trim my exhaust, but once cut I couldn't bend it. [I think this was your previous thread with your cone idea]

I ended up bending and welding some 6mm steel bar on the edge which should give the appropriate radius. I'll find out next Thursday if it works.


Will you need to bend the Ali tube?

Stu

bend it first, then slit it with a toothed HSS disc in a dremel (need a biggish dremel though)

How about a nibbler (if you can get it in there)

yep - it will need bending - dremel was one option; maybe a cut down saw blade;

probably won't work but I'll find out soon.

How about the rubber edging with the spring clip inside? Normally used for wing edging.

I just done the same thing for the sheet ally i used to cover the cat.
i used 10mm ally tube from b&q (about £3 metre)

bent it to shape using brake pipe benders then marked on the opposite side with a marker then used my dremmel tool with a cutting disc to cut a slit all the way round

bit of a git when going round corners, but go slow and it comes ok.

quote:

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Originally posted by GeoffB


bent it to shape using brake pipe benders then marked on the opposite side with a marker then used my dremmel tool with a cutting disc to cut a slit all the way round

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What about filling a length of it with sand and flattening each end. Try a sharp wood chisel (cheap one) bit at a time. Dunno if it would work.
Alex

what tyoe of disc did you use?


i used the one in the kit (29.99 from b&q,comes with lots of pieces) the disc is about 40mm across and looks kinda like a very hard matting type thing..the very thing grindind metal cutting disc keep shattering after seconds

ps if you buy one of these and it breaks just take the unit back to b&q and take a box up to the customer service desk and they just give you the new box including all the drill bits and disc etc,etc

i have three lots of flexi shafts,stands disc etc, etc


geoff

ok, done it. I tried a hacksaw blade held by hand and there is enough teeth on the blade and enough room to make a cut - takes a fair bit of time though.

After opening the slip a bit further with a flat bladed screwdriver, I managed to fit it over the heart-shaped wishbone plate - the tube won't fall of due to being wrapped round the lobes of the plate. A bit of black silicone to finish it off.


So one side done, t'other tonight and another item to be crossed off the SVA fail list